I just recently got some pictures taken and I will be 100% transparent, I DREADED IT. For so many years I struggled with insecurities and looking at pictures made me feel defeated. When I look at a picture of me I see all of my imperfections and immediately feel depressed. My wrinkles, chubby arms, and my curly hair that I work tirelessly to make straight is the only thing I notice. The first place I take my picture is to an Instagram filter (you know you do it too) to try to brighten my circles under my eyes and thin myself by cropping. I change lots of things about the picture before it’s “social media” ready.
I got the email today that my photographer had some “head shots” ready. My stomach churned as I opened the file. When I opened one of the first pictures I wanted to cry. Jenny Blankenship captured “me” the “real me” the “imperfect me” in one picture. You can see my tired eyes and wrinkles but God started healing my heart as I heard him whisper, YOU ARE MINE. HE beautifully designed me for a purpose and the only thing HE cares about is my heart. HE loves me in spite of my imperfections.
For so many years I bashed HIS image by defining beauty on how many wrinkles I had or what the scale number read. I was focusing inward and not on the ONE who specifically created me for HIM. God is helping me overcome the negativity my mind creates, and I want to encourage you to look in the mirror and remind yourself that you are BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED for HIM. HE loves you outrageously!
“So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27
Check out Jenny Blankenship’s website, she has a true gift of capturing JOY!
Alisa says
ashley, when I look at that picture I see a beautiful, wise, compassionate daughter of the Most High. Why is it so hard for us to see ourselves as others see us? When I was younger I wanted curly hair so bad. I got perms and all kinds of product to make it look curly. After having 5 kids, I have developed curly hair that I’m constantly trying to straighten! The enemy so wants us to focus on all the imperfections rather than the beauty God created, doesn’t he? I love His response to you… “You are Mine.” Such beautiful, accepting and comforting words from our Father is is madly in love with us! Thanks for sharing this today. ?
Ashley Shepherd says
Thank you so much!! You are so sweet!
Debi says
Sweet Ashley, when I saw your face (pic) the 1st thing I saw are your eyes, not only are they a beautiful blue but they sparkle with life! Many people have beautiful eyes, but many don’t have life in them….You ooze the Love of Jesus.
I am a wife, a mom of 2 wonderful Godly adult children & a grandma. I love this season I’m in but that wasn’t always the case. I also bought the lies that Satan brings to females who are doing their best to obey God. You have been called “For Such a Time as This”, He knows his time is coming to a close, let’s remind him of his end & remind him of our end!!! Heaven bound….
Kay Sandifer says
I love the picture and how your “sweet, kind and loving heart’ shine in your eyes! Thank you for all you do! I hate having my picture made… definitely something I need to work on! God did design me and I put His work down daily!
Ashley Shepherd says
Love you Kay!!
Beth Baughan says
Thank you for everything you are doing. All I see is His light shining through. There is nothing more beautiful. God Bless You.